Working class pathbreakers, the kind that history forgets. D-Gm-C-D
Sister movers and shakers, with no fear or regrets. D-Gm-C-D
Up against impossible odds, prejudice, resentment and rage. D-Gm-C-D
All they wanted was a decent job, that paid a living wage. D-Gm-C-G
Some said it was wrong, they didn’t belong. Bb-Am-Dm
It was a tough man’s world they couldn’t endure. Bb-A
But when the ceiling cracked, there was no goin’ back. Bb-C
Breakin’ their chains was the only way they’d gain respect and justice for sure. G-E-A

A class action suit won a Consent Decree back in 1974,
A legal ray of equality got their foot in the door.
Escapin’ unemployment and welfare or workin’ minimum wage.
All they wanted was a fair share, maybe learn a craft or a trade.
Hit on, spit on, groped and harassed.
Last hired, first fired, treated like trash.
The more abuse they got, the harder they fought,
For this tower of power, it was their hour; there would be no second class –
For these women of steel
They were women of steel.

They ran the mills during World War Two, when the men went off to fight.
Paid the bills, pulled their families through, workin’ every day and night.
Pushed out the gate for three decades, now they won’t be denied.
Together, strong and self-made, with a union at their side.
Organized, mobilized, did what it took.
Helped a new world rise while the old-world shook.
With every grassroots movement, improvements were won.
Time to put their stories and the glory of their struggles in the history books –
They were women of steel.
They were women of steel.

Runnin’ foodbanks, demonstratin’ in the streets,
Agitatin’ all the ranks, spreading solidarity.
Settin’ up committees, or putting out newsletters,
With clarity they knew what they had to do to make their work life better –
They were women of steel.
They were women of steel.